Legislation that will lead to a second 56th Circuit Judge and an additional Christian County Family Court Judge is headed to Governor Andy Beshear for his signature.
The legislation known as House Bill 214 was passed by the Kentucky Senate this week, with the House of Representatives agreeing with some tweaks by the Senate and passing the bill Tuesday. The legislation creates a second Circuit Judge for the 56th Circuit consisting of Trigg, Caldwell, Livingston, and Lyon Counties and a second Family Court Judge for Christian County. The Kentucky Supreme Court has certified a statewide redistricting plan where 9 jurisdictions in Kentucky that immediately need additional judges would get their much-needed relief beginning January 2023 and 9 jurisdictions where statistics show there are too many judges would lose judges in 2031.
Once the Governor signs the bill into law, there would be an election for the new judgeships on the November ballot.
In a statement Tuesday night Judge Redd said “this is a great first start towards giving the citizens of the 56th Circuit much quicker access to justice.” Judge Jason Shea Fleming concurred stating that “Christian County is one of the highest caseloads of Family Courts in Kentucky and a second Family Court Judge will help children and families have their cases heard in a more expedient manner including our military families.”
The legislation was co-sponsored by Eighth District State Representative Walker Thomas and 16th District Representative Jason Petrie. Judges Fleming and Redd also credit 3rd District State Senator Whitney Westerfield with playing a critical role in getting the legislation through the State Senate.
